'Most Improved' not an MVP consolation

It shows that people acknowledge the hard work and effort that I’ve put into practices and games with the men’s basketball team.

I do work hard. I work out daily by myself and even train with some of the best athletes around the world.

Some athletes take “most improved” as banishment because they feel like they are already at their prime and that the MVP should have been given to them.

MVP stands for Most Valuable Player.

Now, do not get me wrong. MVP is a great award to achieve.

But really look at the definition of Most Improved: “to raise to a more desirable or more excellent quality or condition; make better,” “to become better,” “to make beneficial additions or changes.”

All these definitions tie into one thing, and that is greatness.

When I won the Most Improved Award, I felt honored. My mom was sitting there, next to my older brother. They witnessed the standing applauses I received, and it made them smile.

I have came a long way as a basketball player. People have doubted me, told me “no,” that I was not athletic enough. So it feels good knowing that I have proved them wrong. It brings motivation to my spirit.

I remember something President Obama said.

He said he loves when he reads critics who bash him; their words make him a better leader.

Criticism motivates me, too.

I want my family to be proud and happy, to come to my banquets knowing their son and brother has pushed himself to where there are no limits, that I can’t be conquered.

I feel great about my award.

But next year I am going for MVP, plus Most Improved.

If I could get Most Improved every banquet, I would take it.

It shows I have been doing my job, and putting in the work. And others know it.

College basketball is not where I want to stop.

My father once told me nobody can make a failure out of you but you.

I want to go further – Michaell Jordan-type level.

I know that I am going to get there just because of my determination, and my improvement as a player on and off the court.